My father was in the navy. My brother was in the navy. I am proud of them and what they did for our country.

Since 1775, a total of 2,717,991 young, scared, and brave, men and women, have lost their lives fighting for my freedom. Fighting in a war America was involved in. I must confess, I do take it for granted. Certainly not on purpose. Living my everyday life; able to come and go as I please, able to write what I want, able to photograph what I want - those are freedoms our ancestors may not have always had. In other countries these freedoms are not taken for granted because they don't exist.

I know a lot of military people who gave of themselves for my life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Not everyone was involved during times of war. But they were all prepared to do so.

Over two million people never came home.

My friend Mike wrote this on FB this morning. I can't say it better."These men and women didn't return home to their parents, spouses and children. They didn't have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and finish out their lives. They did this when their country requested them to defend and protect it and to maintain the way of life that is envied by every other country on Earth. Saying Thank You doesn't seem enough."